Question 1

Why do we use sois instead of the normal present tense suis?

Accepted Answer

The phrase où que (wherever) expresses an indefinite location or a 'no matter where' idea. In French, this type of phrase always triggers the subjunctive mood, so we must use sois (the subjunctive form of être) rather than the indicative suis.

Question 2

Could I use partout où instead of où que in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it changes the grammar slightly. Partout où means 'everywhere that' and takes the normal indicative tense (partout où je suis). Où que emphasizes the 'no matter where' aspect and strictly requires the subjunctive.

Question 3

Are there other phrases built like où que that also take the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it belongs to a family of expressions! You will also see quoi que (whatever) and qui que (whoever). They all use que plus the subjunctive to express that same 'no matter what/who/where' feeling.

Question 4

I see bonne is feminine. Is there a reliable rule for knowing the gender of words like productivité?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Almost all French nouns ending in -té that express a quality or state (which usually translate to '-ty' in English, like productivity, reality, or beauty) are feminine. Because productivité is feminine, we use ma and bonne.

Ma productivité est bonne où que je sois.

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